Glory for Van Gaal

"You either love him or you hate him in Holland, he is one of those characters, but he is successful, he gets teams winning and he is experienced at that level."

Known for employing an attacking style and his demands for discipline from his players, Van Gaal came to prominence when he guided a young Ajax team, featuring Clarence Seedorf, Edgar Davids and Patrick Kluivert, to a Champions League final victory over AC Milan in 1995.

He won two Spanish league titles with Barcelona, led AZ Alkmaar to only the second Dutch title in their history, and then, in his first season in charge, took Bayern Munich to the German title and the Champions League final in 2010.

He has a strong relationship with United striker Robin van Persie, appointing the former Arsenal player Netherlands captain in June 2013, and is expected to be given significant transfer funds to bring in new players at Old Trafford.